Visible Differences between a 390 and 460?
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Junior User
Joined: May 2008
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Visible Differences between a 390 and 460?
Please take it easy on me as I'm new to the old truck scene.
Just bought a new (old) truck, a '76 F-250 Camper Special. It was advertised as a 460, but the VIN suggests a 390. Not sure if the engine has been swapped out in the past -- are there any telltale visual marks that will tell me which is true?
Thanks,
Rick
Just bought a new (old) truck, a '76 F-250 Camper Special. It was advertised as a 460, but the VIN suggests a 390. Not sure if the engine has been swapped out in the past -- are there any telltale visual marks that will tell me which is true?
Thanks,
Rick
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Junior User
Joined: May 2008
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Thanks for the help thus far. Here are some photos -- I believe it's a 390, but let me know what you think...
Thanks again for the help. Looking forward to getting this truck ready to be a daily driver by the end of the year.
Thanks again for the help. Looking forward to getting this truck ready to be a daily driver by the end of the year.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: fallbrook ca.
well the orientation of the plugs says fe, though im not sure if 460s are like that too.
count the valve cover bolts. then measure the stroke 390=3.75" 360=3.50"
count the valve cover bolts. then measure the stroke 390=3.75" 360=3.50"
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: fallbrook ca.
that doesnt nessisarily mean you have 390. all fe blocks were marked the same wether they were a 352 or a 428. the only way to tell for sure is to measure the stroke.
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Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Boyne Mich
I agree it looks like an FE. The second pic down shows a parting line between the intake and head under the valve cover gasket. (The valve cover seals on both the head and intake.)
I too have heard there is no visible difference in the 360 & 390 & other FE's, other than stroke.
Does any know if you can measure the stroke through the spark plug hole?
Also btw , the 460 has a flat/straight spot across the top two trany bolt holes (aprox 8" apart), the FE's will have a round (circular pattern)
I too have heard there is no visible difference in the 360 & 390 & other FE's, other than stroke.
Does any know if you can measure the stroke through the spark plug hole?
Also btw , the 460 has a flat/straight spot across the top two trany bolt holes (aprox 8" apart), the FE's will have a round (circular pattern)
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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I agree it looks like an FE, but if it has points, why is there a Duraspark electronic ignition module on the DS fender? 
76 trucks with FEs did have electronic ignition.
76 trucks with FEs did have electronic ignition.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: MD
The '76 MY had electronic ignition on all trucks.
I guess one of the owners got fed up with Duraspark and threw on the points.